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Back on track-Smoking cessation and weight changes over 9 years in a community-based cohort study
Rasmus Køster-Rasmussen1, Caroline Amalie Permin2, Volkert Siersma2
1The Research Unit for General Practice and Section of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade 5, Postboks 2099, 1014 Copenhagen K, Denmark; Clinical Institute, University of Southern Denmark, Winsløwparken 19, 5000 Odense C, Denmark.
Objective:
To examine the impact of smoking cessation on body weight compared with normal long-term weight development.
Methods:
Of 1970 adults (20-69 years) in a rural town in Denmark invited to take part in the study in 1998-2000, 1374 (70%) participated. After 9 years, 1121 participated in the follow-up study. Weight changes were compared using multivariable regression models.
Results:
The mean baseline weight of never-smokers was 76.4 kg (SD 16.0). The adjusted weight of smokers and ex-smokers differed by -4.2 kg (95% CI: -5.9, -2.6), and -0.7 kg (95% CI: -2.5, 1.1), respectively. The adjusted weight gain rate (kg/year) of never-smokers, smokers, and ex-smokers was 0.213, 0.127, and 0.105, respectively. The absolute post cessation weight gain (PCWG) was 5.0 kg (SD 7.0), and the adjusted PCWG was 2.8 kg (95% CI: 1.7, 3.9) compared with never-smokers, and 3.5 kg (95% CI: 2.3, 4.8) compared with smokers. The follow-up weight did not differ between quitters and never-smokers (0.1 kg; 95% CI: -2.4, 2.6).
Conclusion:
Smokers weigh less than never-smokers. By quitting, they gain weight and end up weighing the same as comparable never-smokers. Weight gain rates differ by smoking status. Consequently, PCWG depends on the length of follow-up. Our graphical model indicates that smoking cessation results in a return to normal weight development.
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